Each summer, the National Science Foundation (NSF) funds Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) to give small groups of students
the opportunity to work closely with a professor on research into an area of study that can make a contribution toward solving a current problem/need. We were excited to be involved with WPI, Professor Burt Tilley, and his student team as they explored the mathematical foundations governing the performance of various ground heat exchangers.
NEGPA President Kevin Maher worked with Professor Tilley to develop the problem statement and also provide real world data for comparison. Kevin Maher (Thermonexus, LLC) and NEGPA Education Chair Steve Mabee (Mass. State Geologist) donated their time to attend progress reviews and engage in discussions with the team. "It's exciting to see a group of very bright young men and women bring their knowledge and enthusiasm to our industry. They are helping us shed light on the causes of inefficiency in the ground exchanger," commented Kevin Maher.
For more detailed information on the results of this study, please contact Prof. Burt Tilley (tilley -at- wpi -dot- edu).
